Top new picture book picks!

We have some fabulous new picture books to share with you. Check out our top picks below with everything from playtime rhymes to trains and diggers, we have plenty of new stories for you to discover!


The Dam by David Almond, illustrated by Levi Pinfold

A lyrical, captivating and beautiful picture book by Carnegie Medal-winner David Almond, illustrated by Kate Greenaway Medal-winner Levi Pinfold.

This astonishing picture book combines themes of loss, hope and music as David Almond pays homage to all musicians, showing the ancient and unstoppable power of creativity.

Time Now to Dream by Timothy Knapman, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

“This must be among Helen Oxenbury’s most beautiful work … exquisite” The Times 

When Alice and Jack are out playing, they hear a strange noise. Alice wants to know what it is, but Jack is afraid. He thinks it might be the Wicked Wolf with big, bad claws and snap-trap jaws. But Alice takes his hand and they follow the noise, right into the heart of the forest… Just what will they discover there? Timothy Knapman's atmospheric narration alongside Helen Oxenbury’s spectacular illustrations skilfully convey Jack’s growing fear and Alice’s curious excitement, all the while building towards the reveal of that mysterious sound…

Big Digger Little Digger by Timothy Knapman, illustrated by Daron Parton

A story about a little digger with a very big heart, perfect for all fans of construction site stories!

Little Digger loves to work hard, digging holes all day long. “Little digger, little digger, little digger,” he hums happily as he digs. But, one day, an especially BIG hole needs to be dug, and so in comes … BIG DIGGER. He begins to dig the biggest hole that anyone on the building site has ever seen… With the arrival of Big Digger, will there still be a place for Little Digger on the building site? A heart-warming read-aloud story about the power of hard work, teamwork and positivity.

Follow the Track All the Way Back by Timothy Knapman, illustrated by Ben Mantle

Today is a big day for little Train ... he's going out on the track, all by himself, for the very first time!

Little Train is going out on the track, all by himself, for the very first time! But before he goes, his mummy and daddy remind him: “When it’s time to come home, no matter how far you are, just follow the track all the way back, where we’ll be waiting.” So Little Train heads off into the unknown with a clickety-clack… But, when night falls and the track runs out, will he remember what to do? Taking its place beside the classic The Little Engine That Could, young readers will share Little Train’s trepidation and excitement in this uplifting and extraordinary read-aloud adventure, and rejoice in the gorgeously atmospheric artwork of illustrator Ben Mantle.

             

His Royal Tinyness by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by David Roberts

A new baby story that turns the sibling lament into a hilarious memoir. Meet the rightful heir to the throne: the big sister!

Marianna, the most beautiful, ever so kindest princess, lives happily with her mum, dad and gerbil. Happy, that is, until the new baby comes along. His Royal Highness King Baby is so smelly. He’s so noisy. And all the talk in the Land is about him – non-stop. ALL THE TIME! 

New York Times bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones’ hilarious narrative voice is brought exquisitely to life by David Roberts in this home-grown fairy tale about a little girl with a new baby brother.

Wiggly Wiggly by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Chris Riddell

Wiggle, jiggle and giggle along with this board-book of playtime rhymes.

A board-book collection of playtime rhymes from not one but two Children's Laureates. Join a band of mischievous monkeys, tigers, lions, elephants and bears as they tippy-tap, boing-boing, wiggle-wiggle and wave hello – and goodbye! The most energetic poems from the award-winning anthology A Great Big Cuddle have found the perfect new home in this friendly format. Michael Rosen has adapted his rhymes so that even the very littlest readers can join in; Chris Riddell's vibrant, extraordinary pictures fizz off the page. Pairing two of the biggest names in the world of children’s books, Wiggly Wiggly is a small book that contains a lot of action!

Win picture books and Christmas biscuits!

As Christmas is only a few weeks away (is it really that time already?) we've put together a selection of our favourite picture books from 2017, from beautifully illustrated classics to laugh-out-loud crackers. These heart-warming books will get you in the mood for Christmas and make the perfect gifts for little ones (and bigger ones!) to unwrap on Christmas day. Here are our top picture book picks, plus a chance to win a Christmas bundle full of festive treats...

Pick a Pine Tree

Pick a pine tree from the lot – slim and tall, or short and squat! Long straight limbs or branches bent... Mmm! Just smell that piney scent!

From Jarvis and author Patricia Toht, comes a beautiful, irresistible Christmas gift book that all begins with … picking a pine tree! Brimming over with the excitement of being with family at the festive season, a gorgeously rhythmical, read-aloud narrative accompanied by warm, joyful art celebrates all the familiar rituals of decorating the tree.

The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse

Early one morning a mouse met a wolf and was quickly gobbled up...

When a woeful mouse is swallowed up by a wolf, he quickly learns he is not alone: a duck has already set up digs and, boy, has that duck got it figured out! Turns out it’s pretty nice inside the belly of the beast. And there’s something more: no more fear of being eaten by a wolf! With a nod to traditional fables and a wink to the reader, the award-winning Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen offer a tale of cooperation and creative cuisine.

His Royal Tinyness

Once upon a time there was a happy family. Until one horrible no good day when a new ruler was born…

New York Times bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones’ hilarious narrative voice is brought exquisitely to life by David Roberts in this home-grown fairy tale about a little girl with a new baby brother. His Royal Highness King Baby is so smelly. He’s so noisy. And all the talk in the Land is about him – non-stop, All the time! Has there ever been such a time of wicked rule?!

Triangle

Multi-award-winning, bestselling duo Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen conspire again on a slyly funny tale about some very sneaky shapes.

Meet Triangle. He is going to play a sneaky trick on his friend, Square. Or so Triangle thinks... Visually stunning and full of wry humour, here is a perfectly-paced treat that flips the traditional concept book, and approaches it from a whole new angle.

The Christmas Eve Tree

A delightful midi-edition of the bestselling picture book The Christmas Eve Tree, including a stunning pop-up!

When the ugly little fir tree is taken to the city, no one wants to buy him; they prefer the big tall trees. But a homeless boy asks the shopkeeper if he can take the tree, and down by the river in a cardboard box, decorated with a few candles, the tree finds itself at the centre of a magical Christmas Eve it will never forget.


WIN a Christmas prize worth £100

We have three gorgeous Christmas prizes to give away, each including a selection of fantastic picture books, plus activities for the kids and delicious festive treats from Biscuiteers! For your chance to win, just answer the following question:

What shape is Triangle playing a sneaky trick on in Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett's new collaboration, Triangle?

a)   Square
b)   Circle
c)   Star

Email your answer along with your name and address to competitions@walker.co.uk with 'PBP Christmas' in the subject line for your chance to win. Competition closes on 17th December 2017. Terms and conditions apply.

WIN His Royal Tinyness - plus Sally Lloyd-Jones and David Roberts Q&A

Once upon a time there was a happy family. Until one horrible no good day when a new ruler was born…

New York Times bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones’ hilarious narrative voice is brought exquisitely to life by David Roberts, illustrator of Ada Twist, Scientist, in this home-grown fairy tale about a little girl with a new baby brother. 

Marianna, the most beautiful, ever so kindest princess, lives happily with her mum, dad and gerbil. Happy, that is, until the new baby comes along. His Royal Highness King Baby is so smelly. He’s so noisy. And all the talk in the Land is about him – non-stop, All the time! Has there ever been such a time of wicked rule?!

Author & Illustrator Q&A

We were very excited to welcome Sally and David to Walker HQ to answer some questions on His Royal Tinyness, watch the video below.

            

WIN His Royal Tinyness

To celebrate the launch of His Royal Tinyness we’ve got TEN COPIES of the book with exclusive limited edition prints to give away! To enter just answer this question:
In His Royal Tinyness what is the name of the little girl?

a)       Sally

b)       Tilly

c)       Marianna

To enter, just email competitions@walker.co.uk with 'His Royal Tinyness' in the subject line,

before 15th October 2017. Terms and conditions apply.

Pick up a copy of His Royal Tinyness at your local bookshop!

Sally Lloyd-Jones is the author of Skip to the Loo, My Darling!, illustrated by Anita Jeram, Handbag Friends, illustrated by Sue Heap, and Time to Say Goodnight as well as How To Be a Baby, by Me, the Big Sister which was in the New York Times bestseller list, and its sequel How to Get Married. Sally lives in New York City. Find her online at sallylloyd-jones.com and on Twitter as @sallylloydjones.

David Roberts is the author-illustrator of the Dirty Bertie books and the illustrator of many books for children, including the bestselling Eddie Dickens trilogy, written by Philip Ardagh, the Kate Greenaway-shortlisted The Dunderheads, written by Paul Fleischman, and the picture book The Dumpster Diver, written by Janet S. Wong. Born in Liverpool, he now lives in London. Find him online at davidrobertsillustration.tumblr.com/.

Top new picture books this September

We have a fabulous selection of beautiful and fun picture books for you this September, including: 

Owl Babies 

A special 25th anniversary edition of a bestselling modern classic, Owl Babies is a comforting read for any toddler who has ever worried about mum leaving them alone. 

With a foreword and gorgeous golden foil on the cover and spine, this edition is one to share and treasure.




His Royal Tinyness

New York Times bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones’ hilarious narrative voice is brought exquisitely to life by David Roberts in this home-grown fairy tale about a little girl with a new baby brother. 

Marianna, the most beautiful, ever so kindest princess, lives happily with her mum, dad and gerbil. Happy, that is, until the new baby comes along. All the talk in the Land is about him – non-stop, All the time! Has there ever been such a time of wicked rule?!

Watch a Q&A with Sally and David here.

I Want to be in a Scary Story 

From the team behind the acclaimed Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise comes a very scary read-aloud story … or is it? Monster wants to be in a scary story – but is he brave enough?

Brilliantly interactive, children will delight in the wickedly funny turn-of-the-pages, see themselves in the goofy, unconventional monster, and revel in the bold, hilarious illustration of celebrated graphic artist, Jean Jullien.

Follow the Track All the Way Back 

From Ben Mantle and Timothy Knapman comes the story of a Little Train who is going out on the track, all by himself, for the very first time! But before he goes, his mummy and daddy remind him: “When it’s time to come home, no matter how far you are, just follow the track all the way back, where we’ll be waiting.” 

Young readers will share Little Train’s trepidation and excitement in this uplifting and extraordinary read-aloud adventure. 

A Busy Day for Birds 

Flap your wings, fly up high, open your beak and sing in this fun action rhyme story about fantastical birds by multi-award-winning author Lucy Cousins. 

"Can you imagine ... just for one day ... you're a busy bird? Yes, a bird! Hooray!" A bouncy read-aloud book to be enjoyed; beautifully illustrated with bold, bright colours and packed with all sorts of wild and wonderful birds!

We Found a Hat 

Hold on to your hats! From the Kate Greenaway-winning creator of I Want My Hat Back and This Is Not My Hat comes the much-anticipated conclusion to the celebrated hat trilogy. 

Two turtles have found a hat. The hat looks good on both of them. But there are two turtles. And there is only one hat... Evoking hilarity and sympathy, the shifting eyes tell the tale in this perfectly paced story in three parts, highlighting Jon Klassen’s visual comedy, deceptive simplicity and deliciously deadpan humour.

The Little Adventurers: What Bear? Where?

From the award-winning Philip Ardagh, and rising illustration talent Elissa Elwick, comes the second installment in a brand-new picture book series! 

Meet the Little Adventurers – Finnegan, Sprat, Floss and Peanut. With an activity idea and an information page the Little Adventurers four will encourage hours of immersive play, and will ignite the imagination of curious explorers everywhere.

You can get your hands on all these books at your local bookshop. Happy reading!